The Diary Game: Attend Akwa Ibom Christmas Park Celebration (20/12/2025)

It's Christmas Season again!

Seasons greetings to all my friends here. I'm excited to come your way again. Happy Sunday to you. Yesterday, Saturday, was the turn of my province to present our rich cultural heritage to the public. My Local Government Council, Nsit Atai, is rich in all cultural heritage. I was there to experience our presentation. This is how it went.

Every end of the year, particularly, Christmas period is always a festive period in our state. Celebration everywhere fills the air. The government of my state had declared a three week long celebration for cultural display. Each day, each Local Government is slated to present its culture to the tourists. All the 31 Council would have to show the world what they have. Yesterday, Saturday,was the turn of my Local Government.

I was prepared for it. Last year, I didn't have an opportunity to attend but this year, I had promised myself that I would be there from the start. Although I didn't have time to be present at other Local Government presentation, I didn't miss my own.

The arrival of the governor, Pastor Umoh Eno signalled the commencement of the event. Almost everyone dressed in their cultural attire. The Local Government chairman, Pst Anthony Nyong opened our presentation with a speech, telling the governor what our government has to offer. After this opening speech, the display started.

I had determined that I will spend almost my entire day there, watching what would happen there. The young and older women presented some dance steps. This dance is called "ebre" in my language, meaning 'water yam'. Water yam is one of the favourite yams that is used in preparing local porridge. Because of the softness of the yam, the community name the dance step after the yam.

Different age grades took time to present their dance with their outfit. Men, women, teens, etc were in attendance.

Local foods were presented to the public. Palm fruits plantain, banana, vegetables, cassava and other food items were beautifully displayed.

Of course, there was a presentation of local distillation of wine. Dry gin called 'ufofop' in my language was produced with palm wine. The distillation of this local dry gin was of high standard. It was amazing to watch this.

The council executives were excited for the best display. The chairman, his Vice, Council secretary and others were all there at the event to support the presenters.

At a point, I was tired and hungry. The crowd was unimaginable. I couldn't even have space to go out and take some snacks. Finally, I got a little space. I went out to buy soft drink and bread to chill myself. By 5 pm, I was still there.

During an official closing by 6 pm, it was difficult to go home. This was because of the shortest of town taxi cab. The number of passengers who came out to board a cab home were too many. I had to wait for almost an hour before I could see a cab home.

I got home by 7 pm. Immediately I undressed and got into bathroom to refresh myself. I ate , and then went to watch Liverpool premiership match. I came home to rest and finally slept off.

That was how my Saturday went. I spent almost my entire day at the Christmas Park. It was fulfilling.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. Till I come again with another exciting diary, remain blessed